Details about the development of the area near Five Mile and Beck Roads were highlighted at a Northville Township Board meeting Thursday.
Recent buzz about the business development potential of the land near Five Mile and Beck Roads on the Northville/Plymouth border bubbled up at the Northville Township Board of Trustees meeting Thursday night.
According to trustees, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder will sign Senate Bill 425, which proposes the sale of the vacant Robert Scott Correctional Facility property, within a couple of weeks.
"I get calls from offices statewide inquiring about the sale of this parcel," said Lisa Nocevino, Vice President of Strategic Communications Solutions, a Novi-based public relations firm which provides tactical support and development strategies to government clients. Nocevino was a guest at Thursday's meeting.
"This is not a buzz just here, it's a buzz in Washington as well," Nocevino said. "It's a world class parcel because of its location. There is a lot of interest being generated about the collaboration that's happening here."
Northville Township Trustee Marjorie Banner said the township has been in talks with Plymouth Township to develop ideas on how to best utilize the property as an industrial area.
"We've been working on this undertaking for awhile. We are excited about what's to come of this area," Banner said.
According to Nocevino, legislators support the collaborative efforts between the two townships.
"Due to tough economic conditions, cities should come together and try to strengthen the economy when they can," she said. "This is collaboration at its best."
One Northville Township resident in attendence at the meeting, however, said he would rather see the township put its attention on another vacant property two miles to the north.
"It amazes me how the buzz about the workings of the Five Mile project made it all the way to Washington while residents have been asking Northville Township to do something about the abandoned hospital that's on Seven Mile and Haggerty road for quite some time now," said Steve Emsley.
Emsely explained his paranoia of someone being severely hurt inside the vacant former mental hospital.
"It is in bad shape, the windows are out, the property is not secure. There has to be something done about this or something bad is going to happen," he said.
According to the board of trustees, 80 arrests have been made this year in attempts to keep the area safe, over-time patrols have been hired and trespassing ticket fines has been set at $220.
The board said that based on the township's budget, no further efforts can be made this time.
As read on: http://plymouth-mi.patch.com/articles/bot-meeting-unveils-governor-s-plan
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Potential Five Mile Business Project Creates Buzz Nationally, Locally
Saturday, October 29, 2011
NEW! 1st Annual Daddy Daughter Dance!
Dads, Uncles, and Grandfathers grab your little lady and get ready for an evening packed with dancing and memories! We will have a DJ on hand from Dramatic Dimensions Entertainment to keep you dancing all night long. Light refreshments and snacks will be served. Souvenir photos and packages will be available to order an additional cost. Semi-formal, dressy-casual attire recommended.
Spaces are still available but advance ticket purchase is required because space is limited. Sorry NO Walk-Ins will be accepted. Register now!
Registration #: 346104.01
Location: Cultural Center Reception Room
Ages: All Ages
Fees: $10 each
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Date: Saturday, February 4th
For more information contact the Recreation Department at: (734)455-6620 or visit: www.ci.plymouth.mi.us/RecreationSpecialEvents.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Polaris Invests in Brammo Electric Motorcycles
Polaris Industries Inc. has announced a minority investment in Brammo, an Ashland, Ore.-based maker of electric motorcycles. By investing in Brammo, Polaris obtains access to its proprietary electric vehicle powertrain technology, as well as exposure to the electric motorcycle market.
“We are excited to advance our electric vehicle capability by establishing Polaris as a business partner and part owner of Brammo, one of the most innovative and aggressive companies we have found in the electric motorcycle space,” says Scott Wine, Polaris CEO. “Our companies share a passion for performance, and we look forward to exploiting the numerous opportunities created by pairing Brammo’s industry-leading electric powertrain technology with Polaris’ vast array of market-leading powersports products. This is a small, but important, investment for Polaris in an electric vehicle market that we feel is poised for significant growth.”
Polaris is hardly new to electric vehicles. The Minnesota-based manufacturer currently produces the Ranger EV off-road vehicle and the Gem and Breeze neighborhood vehicles.
Founded in 2002, Brammo currently offers the Enertia line of motorcycles, capable of speeds in excess of 60 mph and claimed ranges up to 80 miles on a single charge. Brammo plans to expand its product line to include high-performance sport motorcycles capable of more than 100 miles on a single charge, as well as a full line of entry- to high-performance dirt and dual-sport motorcycles.
“We have always been impressed with Polaris’ leadership within the powersports industry. Polaris is a company founded on innovation and quality and, as such, their decision to partner with Brammo is a resounding endorsement of our technology,” says Brammo CEO and founder Craig Bramscher. “This is a terrific scenario for Brammo’s customers, as we bring Polaris’ legendary engineering, manufacturing, and customer service expertise to bear on our products.”
In addition to potentially utilizing Brammo technology in its own products, Polaris will collaborate with Brammo to grow its core business.
As read on: http://blog.motorcycle.com/2011/10/26/electric/polaris-invests-in-brammo-electric-motorcycles/
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Safe Kids Releases First-of-Its Kind Halloween Research Study
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Washington, DC - New Safe Kids research shows only one third of parents talk to their children annually about Halloween safety. To complete this first-of-its kind study on Halloween-safety, Safe Kids commissioned Harris Interactive to conduct a poll of 935 parents with children ages 12 and younger to assess their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to Halloween safety.
On average, twice as many child pedestrians are killed while walking on Halloween compared to other days of the year. On this potentially dangerous night of the year for child pedestrians, Safe Kids strongly recommends that parents prepare children to behave safely and for drivers to take extra precautions.
While most of the parent participants in the study have talked to their children about Halloween safety at some point, many have not made it an annual conversation. Safe Kids urges parents to engage in repeated discussions with each child, every year to reinforce safety messages and safe behaviors because of the risks they face on Halloween.
"Given children's limited attention spans, repeated and consistent messages about safe behaviors are key to preventing injuries," says Kate Carr, President and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. "By following the basic safety tips provided by Safe Kids, Halloween can be a fun and safe night for children of all ages."
According to the study, 40 percent of parents allow their child to use one or more unsafe item on Halloween such as a mask, loosing fitting clothing, and / or a sharp object - any of which could contribute to falls, burns or pedestrian injuries. These are preventable hazards that could be avoided by following Safe Kids' safety tips.
Another key finding of this report shows twelve percent of children five years of age or younger are permitted to trick-or-treat alone. Not only should these young children be accompanied by an adult, but it is also recommended by Safe Kids that no child under 12 years of age spend Halloween night navigating the streets unsupervised. This recommendation was made to protect children who often lack the maturity and cognitive ability to make appropriate decisions to accurately judge speeds and distance.
"It is alarming to hear that children ages five years and younger are trick-or-treating without adult supervision," added Carr. "If they are old enough and mature enough to trick-or-treat without an adult, parents should make sure children go out in groups and stick to a predetermined route with good lighting."
In preparation for Halloween, Safe Kids coalitions across the country will team up with Walk This Way program sponsor FedEx to provide kids with reflective materials to promote visibility, including zipper tags that can be attached to costumes and trick-or-treat bags, as well as important safety information to children, parents, and drivers. The Halloween study was made possible through funding provided by FedEx.
To ensure a safer celebration of Halloween, Safe Kids and FedEx recommend the following tips to parents and caregivers:
Trick-or-Treating Safety:
Children under 12 should trick-or-treat and cross streets with an adult.
Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, choose light colored costumes that fit properly and avoid carrying sticks, swords, or other sharp objects.
Check treats for signs of tampering before children are allowed to eat them. Candy should be thrown away if the wrapper is faded, torn, or unwrapped.
What Drivers Need to Know:
Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
Anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on early in the day so you can spot children from greater distances.
Remember that costumes can limit children's visibility and they may not be able to see your vehicle.
Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
For more tips on how to help kids become safer pedestrians on Halloween, as well as throughout the year, visit www.safekids.org and visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/safekidsusa.
In 1999, Safe Kids Worldwide and program sponsor FedEx created the Safe Kids Walk This Way Program in the United States to teach safe behaviors to motorists and child pedestrians and create safer, more walkable communities. This year will mark the twelfth yeah anniversary of the program.
As read on: http://www.safekids.org/our-work/news-press/press-releases/safe-kids-releases.html
Plant City police ditch Harleys in favor of Victory motorcycles
PLANT CITY --
The city's motorcycle officers have new sets of wheels.
The city police department recently rolled out four Victory motorcycles, which officers say are more powerful and safer than the Harley-Davidsons they replace.
"The safety features provided on the Victory motor is second to none," Senior Officer Russell Bass said. "It turns well, has forged steel roll protectors, pinned down floorboards and a bottom skid plate that protects the bike from impact and debris."
The Victory Commander I's also feature a black and white art deco look.
The city revived its motorcycle unit about 10 years ago after a hiatus of several years. Master Patrol Officer Fred Morris, who has been with the unit since its rebirth, said the Victorys make tighter turns and have the ground clearance to drive over curbs without damage.
The motorcycles also come with tip over protection and the fixed floorboards reduce the possibility of an officer breaking or twisting a foot, ankle or knee in the event the bike goes down, officers said.
The city bought the four new bikes at a cost of more than $30,000 each. The city plans to sell three of its Harley-Davidsons at auction and keep the fourth for a historical display.
Plant City police say they are the only department east of the Mississippi River using Victory motorcycles. Public Information Officer Tray Towles said factors in making the switch included five-year wheel-to-wheel factory warranty and maintenance.
The warranty and maintenance agreement will save the city thousands of dollars over the life of each bike, the department said.
A police news release hails the Victory as the "best police motorcycle on the market."
Officer Kyle Russell, a member of the motorcycle unit since August 2009, likes the powerful, 97-horsepower, 106 cubic inch engine.
"We want to accelerate in traffic and get behind the traffic offender as quickly as possible to limit danger to the public," he said.
As read on: http://www2.tbo.com/news/plant-city/2011/oct/21/police-ditch-harleys-in-favor-of-victory-motorcycl-ar-273306/
